Encyclopedia of

Ventricular shunt

Definition

A ventricular shunt is a tube that is surgically placed in one of the
fluid-filled chambers inside the brain (ventricles). The fluid around the
brain and the spinal column is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). When
infection or disease causes an excess of CSF in the ventricles, the shunt
is placed to drain it and thereby relieve excess pressure.

Purpose

A ventricular shunt relieves hydrocephalus, a condition in which there is
an increased volume of CSF within the ventricles. In hydrocephalus,
pressure from the CSF usually increases. It may be caused by a tumor of
the brain or of the membranes covering the brain (meninges), infection of
or bleeding into the CSF, or inborn malformations of the brain. Symptoms
of hydrocephalus may include headache, personality disturbances and loss
of intellectual abilities (dementia), problems in walking, irritability,
vomiting, abnormal eye movements, or a low level of consciousness.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (a condition in which the volume of CSF
increases without an increase in pressure) is associated with progressive
dementia, problems walking, and loss of bladder control (urinary
incontinence). Even though CSF is not thought to be under increased
pressure in this condition, it may also be treated by ventricular
shunting.

Demographics

The congenital form of hydrocephalus is believed to occur at an incidence
of approximately one to four out of every 1,000 births. The incidence of
acquired hydrocephalus
is not exactly known. The peak ages for the development of hydrocephalus
are in infancy, between four and eight years, and in early adulthood.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus generally occurs in patients over the age of
60.

Description

The ventricular shunt tube is placed to drain fluid from the ventricular
system in the brain to the cavity of the abdomen or to the large vein in
the neck (jugular vein). Therefore, surgical procedures must be done both
in the brain and at the drainage site. The tubing contains valves to
ensure that fluid can only flow out of the brain and not back into it. The
valve can be set at a desired pressure to allow CSF to escape whenever the
pressure level is exceeded.

A small reservoir may be attached to the tubing and placed under the
scalp. This reservoir allows samples of CSF to be removed with a syringe
to check the pressure. Fluid from the reservoir can also be examined for
bacteria, cancer cells, blood, or protein, depending on the cause of
hydrocephalus. The reservoir may also be used to inject
antibiotics
for CSF infection or chemotherapy medication for meningeal tumors.

Diagnosis/Preparation

The diagnosis of hydrocephalus should be confirmed by diagnostic imaging
techniques, such as computed tomography scan (CT scan) or
magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), before the shunting procedure is performed. These techniques will
also show any associated brain abnormalities. CSF should be examined if
infection or tumor of the meninges is suspected. Patients with dementia or
mental retardation should undergo neuropsychological testing to establish
a baseline psychological profile before the shunting procedure.

As with any surgical procedure, the surgeon must know about any
medications or health problems that may increase the patient's
risk. Because infections are both common and serious, antibiotics are
often given before and after surgery.

Aftercare

To avoid infections at the shunt site, the area should be kept clean. CSF
should be checked periodically by the doctor to be sure there is no
infection or bleeding into the shunt. CSF pressure should be checked to be
sure the shunt is operating properly. The eyes should be examined
regularly because shunt failure may damage the nerve to the eyes (optic
nerve). If not treated promptly, damage to the optic nerve causes
irreversible loss of vision.

Risks

Serious and long-term complications of ventricular shunting are bleeding
under the outermost covering of the brain (subdural hematoma), infection,
stroke, and shunt failure. When a shunt drains to the abdomen
(ventriculoperitoneal shunt), fluid may accumulate in the abdomen or
abdominal organs may be injured. If CSF pressure is lowered too much,
patients may have severe headaches, often with nausea and vomiting,
whenever they sit up or stand.

Normal results

After shunting, the ventricles get smaller within three or four days. This
shrinkage occurs even when hydrocephalus has been present for a year or
more. Clinically detectable signs of improvement occur within a few weeks.
The cause of hydrocephalus, duration of hydrocephalus before shunting, and
associated brain abnormalities affect the outcome.

Of patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus who are treated with
shunting, 25–80% experience long-term improvement. Normal pressure
hydrocephalus is more likely to improve when it is caused by infection of
or bleeding into the CSF than when it occurs without an underlying cause.

Morbidity and mortality rates

Complications of shunting occur in 30% of cases, but only 5% are serious.
Infections occur in 5–10% of patients, and as many as 80% of shunts
develop a mechanical problem at some point and need to be replaced.

Alternatives

In some cases of hydrocephalus, certain drugs may be administered to
temporarily decrease the amount of CSF until surgery can be performed. In
patients with hydrocephalus caused by a tumor, removal of the tumor often
cures the buildup of CSF. Approximately 25% of patients respond to
therapies other than shunt placement.

Patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus may experience a temporary
improvement in walking and mental abilities upon the temporary drainage of
a moderate amount of CSF. This improvement may be an indication that
shunting will improve their condition.

My father(80) about a month ago had a shunt put in the back of his head because he was diagnosed with NPH. He has been complaining about double vision, words and numbers waving, words disappearing, and having a hard time figuring out numbers. His surgeon says to wait and see if it gets better but you say here " The eyes should be examined regularly because shunt failure may damage the nerve to the eyes (optic nerve). If not treated promptly, damage to the optic nerve causes irreversible loss of vision." Should we be worried? How lomg do we wait?

I HAVE HAD A SHUNT FITTED SINCE BIRTH,THE SECOND ONE WAS 16YEARS AGO.POSIBLY ONCE A YEAR I HAVE A VIOLENT HEADACHE WHICH FEELS LIKE MY HEAD IS BEING CRUSHED,AFTER A FEW HOURS I FELT DIZZY AND SICK,SO I MADE MYSELF VOMIT AND STRAIGHT AWAY THE HEADACHE HAD GONE.WHAT COULD THIS MEAN

my son has a shunt in his head for about 6years and today he is getting like little sharp needle poking where his shunt is. we are calling for medical advice. what could be doing this??? please reply.
thanks

My child has had a ventricular shunt since she was 18 months old.
She is now 26 years old. She had a serious malfunction of the valve when she was 14. She is now having problems with headache, passing out and seizures. The doctors that she seen tell here that it is not the shunt but something else causing her problems, but they can not tell her what exactly it is. Do you know if a person can out grow the need for a shunt once you have one. One of the doctors that she saw told her that it looked like she probably didn't even need the shunt.
Any information will be appreciated.

mY SHUNTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED SO MANY TIMES AND I CONTINUE TO HAVE DISTORTED EYES, SEVERE HEADACHES, PARACETAMOL DOES NOT WORK ANY MORE FOR ME THE LUMBAR PUNCTURES JUST HELP ME FOR A WHILE AND THEN ALL THE PROBLEMS STARTS AGAIN, CAN YOU HELP ME I AM DESPERATE THANKS BYE

My infant daughter had blood that got into her CSF it then clot the ventricles and they cant drain. The doctors want to but a permanent shunt into her abdomen. Is this a common procedure for a baby that is only one week old or is there other options? Will the shunt affect her ability's for the rest of her life. She is perfectly normal now. Thanks you Mike

My daughter, now 23 years, had an unusual symptom which others may wish to note. The CSF passed from her abdominal cavity to her pleural (lung) cavity, putting pressure on the lungs. So, although rare, this did happen and was corrected.
Thanks Lauren

A friend's daughter had a right ventricular shunt installed when she was three. Although it is no longer functional, the mother was advised against having removed. The child was born three months preterm with severe complications. The girl is now 16 and her scoliosis is getting worse. Could this be due to the shunt adhereing internally and not allowing the spinal column to grow naturally? Could the tubing be "snipped" where it disappears under the clavicle to release the restrictions? The girl is also having increased temporal lobe seizures. The tubing follows her SCM from the temporal plate to the clavicle.

My father is having a shunt put in today from his head to his tummy because he had a coil put in and the spinal fluid builds up in the head what are the risks? Does he have a time limit or can he live forever? i hate asking that question but I would like to know for my self please reply thank you

My grandson was born premature at 24 months. Consequently his brain bleed required him to have a shunt in his brain to drain excess CSF. He is now 14 months and on 4th shunt replacement, 3 within the last 2 months. His curent shunt seems to be working but now is not holding down his food. The Dr. is using a binding on his stomach to assist the shunt to lower the pressure. I am not clear how this should work and am a little worried about this experiment. Has anyone else had this method used sucessfully ??

I had a shunt about 3 yrs ago. I am having severe headaches and stabbing leg pain. The headache always seem to be late afternoon or night. My shoulders, arms and back are numb and tingleing. Please advise if this could be caused by the shunt not draining properly.
Thanks Sandy

You state 'as many as 80% of shunts develop a mechanical problem at some point and need to be replaced'. My wife has recently had to have her shunt replaced, however the Royal Free Hospital in London, when asked in November 09 about the reliability of shunts and how often do they need replacing informed our GP that they very rarely fail!!
Can you shed some light on your figure of up to 80%
regards
Andy

Seventeen years ago my son had a shunt put in prior to brain surgery for removal of a benign epidermoid tumor that was blocking the flow of CSF. The surgeon said he got all of the tumor and several MRIs over the years have indicated no recurrence of the tumor. A few days ago the plastic shunt tubing split in his neck and is causing pain at the breakage point. My question is what would be recommended to relieve his discomfort. Like many young Americans, he has no health insurance so this will be an out of pocket expence. Could only the plastic tubing be removed or should the entire valve and catheder also be removed? Can it be done as an outpatient procedure or is hospitalization required?

A week ago, a shunt was placed in my skull with the tubing running down the right side of my neck,chest and into my stomach. Why was it necessary that I had to have an incision in my stomach? My walking has not improved as of yet. With this, I imagine it requires patience. However, on my left side of my stomach I get an acute pain when walking (also when being touched.) I am to see the doctor for removal of staples on Tuesday. My question is why should it hurt on my left side of my stomach? Has this happened before to anyone before? My stomach feels quite queasy also. Thanks much.

My son has had a ventricular shunt since he was 7 months old. It was required a month or so after having surgery to remove a benign tumor in one of the ventricles the size of a golf ball he is also an identical twin except for the tumor. He is now 18 yrs old and has had no maintainence of replacement of the shunt. He now gets occasional bad headaches, Should he have the shunt removed and what is the procedure and the risk and also the longer term effects of tubing and shunt if he doesnt seek removal. Thank you in anticipation.
Steve
Melbourne Australia

I just had a replacement and now having pains in my lower stomach. I wanted to know if the
tube is pushing fluid into certain cavities or what may be causing this? It doesn't happen every day, but a couple times a week. I also notice when I walk and exercise, it seems to stop.
I had my original shunt for 27yrs and then fell hitting the back of my head. I just wonder if I fell because the shunt was failing to work or broke and stopped working after the fall.
I fell again 6mos later on the front of on face and was taken to emergency hospital where they
did a CT. I started having balance and memory problems and taken to neurologist, then another CT
showed the ventricles had encreased and so a replacement of the shunt was done. A period of 6mos went by from the first fall and one month after the 2nd fall was the replacement.

I too had a shunt placed on the right side of my head with tubing going down behind my right ear, chest and into my abdomen on October 4th. So, it's been a little over 3 weeks now. I feel pretty queasy too and get sharp jabs in my abdomen. I just saw my surgeon yesterday, and he said there's tubing that winds around in my abdomen that presses on my bowels and other organs and having pain and discomfort is not unusual. He basically said it would eventually subside and I'd get used to it.

I have an incision in my abdomen too and I'm disappointed that it's in such a conspicuous place. Makes bikini wearing a thing of the past I guess. I wish you the best with your recovery and hope your uncomfortable feelings subside soon. Sue

My nephew had a shunt placed as an infant 29 years ago. He originally had it in his abdomen but developed a cyst. After that it was placed in his heart where it remained uncomlicated for many years. He just recently started having severe headaches along with nausea and vomiting and so went to the ER. The doctor at that hospital placed a new shunt in his pleural cavity and stated he would never put it back in the heart as there were too many complications in the long run. My nephew has has been in the ER three times since it was placed in his pleural caviety with severe headaches, nausea and vomiting. He had the least complications with his shunt placed in his heart and I was wondering if it really was a poor choice for placement. Any advise would be appreciated.

I like the article, but I want to know one thing. My mom had a shunt put in and a week later the shunt malfunction became infected and the tip of the shunt broke off into her small Intestine. The shunt was removed but my mom's neurlogical state was never the same. Is that normal for the tip of the shunt to break off into the small intestines?

My 12 year old son had a shunt fitted when he was 4year old due to a blood clot in the brain recently i have noticed he has problems moving his neck backwards could this be due to the tubing in his neck? I would be very grateful if you would get back to me asap from a very concerned parent

I am 43 and have a vp shunt for about 7 years.. For the past 3 weeks I have a pain in my side where the shunt is. At times it is very sharp.. I have no appendix or gall bladder so I know it is not that. It is more up in the rib cage area,, Could my shunt beacme lodged in this area.? I think It is working fine.. No headaches

I have a 20 month old daughter that was fitted with a programable shunt 2 months after birth because of a severe brain bleed. She has developed normally and is in some areas ahead if anything. Last week tuesday night she started vomitting all night so we took her in to the hospital where we still are. They have done 2 CT scans and xrayed twice but everything looks good. They were treating her for a virus but hasnt gotten any better they put her on 2 diffrent antibotics yesterday. Every morning for the 3 days she vomitts once. She shouldnt be vomitting because she has not had anything except a IV since wensday morning. The doctors keep going back and forth from shunt to virus. They have decided to change setting to lower the pressure in her brain. Any other with same problems? What corrected it? Thanks Mike

I had a ventricular perioteneial shunt put in jan 6 2011. Since august 2001 I have suffered severe migraines since I had meningitis. I have over the last 10 years I have suffered vision lose and severe nausea ans vomiting from my increasing migraines. I recently stated having severe dislexia with numbers and reading. My family worried about my health and my ability to cope with the more extreme physical symptoms. I even started having problems driving because I lost peripheral vision. My shunt was placed on the right side. The box is just under the scalp on the right and looks like I got bit there from the round incision I had two mini incisions on my scalp above my ear and behind my ear on my neck. I also have a huge uncision on my belly. I experience pain from the shunt in my side and in my belly. They say it is normal. My tube is visible under the skin I look like a klingon. Where it protrudes from the box. I gave regained some sight back already since surgery and I got my staples out today I had 39 total. I just wish I didnt feel the pain in my belly from the shunt. I use a heating pad to help.

My father, 79 years old, had a programmable shunt implanted after being diagnosed with NPH. He has been misdiagnosed for about 7 years. He has made remarkable progress in all three of the triad symptoms. Last Monday he had a violent seizure and has since been put on anti-seizure medication. His neurosurgeon looked at his CT scan results from the ER and says everything looks OK with the shunt. He has NEVER had a seizure before and I suspect it has something to do with the shunt which was implanted 2 1/2 months ago. His brain function is very slow and he is falling again and very tired. His doctor says it just takes a long time to recover from a seizure at his age. Could the neurosurgeon be wrong? Could the seizure be an indication that something is wrong with his shunt functioning? I would very much appreciate any information.

my brodher had a surgery for shunt 3 years ago.that shunt is working normal but now he have same symptoms(vomiting,headaches,lack of concentration and problem in walking ) again now the doctors said he need second shunt.is it gonna effect the first one ?Is there is a possibilty he might need another shunt in future.thanks

My son is 8yr old and shunted at 10 days old. He has recently been glued to me or my husbands side. Normally very independent and out going. He says that about every five minutes it it like his body will freeze and it feels like there are thousands on needles poking him from the inside out. He says it is for like a split second. Also his entire body aches a lot of the time. He has had malfunctions before but he has complained of his head hurting really bad in the bast when it goes bad. What are you thoughts.

My brother is 23 yrs old and shunted in oct 2010. Since then my brother is unable to stand up or talk normally he also has epilepsy problem since childhood. its been 7 months but we dont see any sign going towards betterment. we have been consulting a Dr. who was involved in the shunting process but didnt get any good response. kindly advice what to do we are rly worried about him and rly want see him stand again and start his normal lyf. Our Life and happiness is binded with him if he's happy we fell to if he isnt we dont like to do anything. please suggest what to do. his eyes sight has also been effected and cant see properly.

Hi.. I want to ask a question about the shunt.. My dauther got the shunt on the vertical vein and I want to know if the shunt works 100% there is cause my dauther she had alot problems with the shunt on her belly and on her shest and the neurosery dicide to put it on the heart vein and scare that why I want to know if shunt is going to work there... Or how am going to know when the shunt is not working.. thakzz. Fabiola

Hi.. My name is fabiola and I want to ask a question about the verticular vein shunt is cause my dauther had the a vp shunr on the rightverticular vein and I want to know if the shunt works 100% there is cause she already had alot of problemd withe shunt on her bely and her shest she dint tolereted and know they put it in the hearth the last option and am scared for the shunt to get infected and I would like to know if the symtoms are can be same or different?? Thankzz and I would preciate if u can answer my questions. Thank u..

hi,
i'm 17 and i have a vp shunt, and i was wondering i've been having like shooting(on and off) pains why is this and also my right eyes optic nerve is enlarged which all my eye docs think it could be glacoma,and they do some tests and it's not,so could this be something wrong with my shunt or what i've never had it replaced!
thanks miranda.

Miranda, you really should see your neuro!! You might even consider the ER! At 13(I am now almost 20), I experienced a snapped shunt, which lead to blurry/double vision and for a month it went untreated, until I saw my opthamologist for a check up. He noticed overwhelming pressure on my optic nerve and sent me straight to the ER. I had surgery the next day to have a new tube placed.

I had my VP Shunt fitted in 1998 and it failed in 2009 or possibly earlier. It is unclear due to another hospitals blunder when I had a Tonic clonic seizure. It was discovered that a black mass that was described as being 'scar tissue on Occipital Lobe' was in fact an infection of the STAPH kind...not nice. John Radcliffe replaced nasty VP with a nice EVT (Ommaya Reservoir) as I was a prime candidate. BUT...We have suspicions they left the TUBE from the VP in my stomach!!! There WAS NO FRESH STITCHES on abdomen, so how did they remove the PIPE? I am having absolute pain and agony, just like I did before. Not one person will answer just saying its scar tissue, fine but now its spread UPWARDS to my breast bone and now diffcult to breath. SO, HAS ANYONE HAD A VP SHUNT REMMOVED AND DID THEY HAVE STITCHES ON THEIR ABDOMENN? Oh by the way, Ommaya is wonderful!!

two eeks ago, I had a vp shunt placed(which i have little memory of). On 01Jan2009, I was rushed to the ER with massive headache, womiting and seizures. It was found I had alarge brain tumor on my right frontal lobe. It was causing such massive swelling, it was shifting my brain completely over. Until my vp shunt, I was living with hydrocephalus, headaches, seizures daily. Since the shunt, I have had more impairements. Drastic memory changes worse than before the shunt.headaches and seizures continue. Adominal pain, sharp shooting pains starting in my abdomen radiating down towards my rectum.Sleep and appetite changes as well. My husband contacted my neurosurgeon's office. He did not speak with my dr. only with the nurse. She stated these things were normal but highly rare. Really scared. Are these normal and I shouldn't worry? Please any advice, comments or opinions regarding this would be appreciated.

Hello, my father has recently been diagnosed with meningitus, he has been in the hospital for 2 weeks now and unable to breath on his own. They have recenlty found build up of fluid in the brain and installed a ventricular shunt, since then his oxygen level has been very touchy expecially if he is laying on his left side. they have determined lat there is fluid build up in his left lung and have also recently found after a ct scan that the shunt was draining too much fluid??? My question is if it is possible for the fluid to be draining into the lung, and what may need to be done?

My son has had his shunt since may 5, 2009, shortly after that he had several revision between aug 28-sep 4, 2009. After that he was doing okay until sept 9,2011 he had another revision. He wasnt eating or drink, he was just very irritable so after the revision he was doing good for 2days I took him back to the hospital and they did x-rays & ct scans ALL came back normal. Got sent home & still he was the same came back once again & they said he had a virus, stayed over night and got home 4days later back to the way he was but this time complaining his tummy hurt, so once again back to the hospital ct scan & x-rays NORMAL! On top of that his blood pressure is sky rocket just like his heart rate, but they are giving him meds fir his blood pressure which they only work for awhile & The dr did blood test, tested for an infection & still tests NORMAL!! We've been in the hospital since & they don't know whats going on!! I'm thinking something is going on with his shunt but all tests normal & idk what to do any advice I'm lost here!!??

I saw a 13 year old child who developed strokes in the occipital lobes after correcting a shunt malfunction from the lateral ventricles. Is it possible from draining too much CSF or upward herniation or both

My daughter got a VP Shunt when she was 7 months old. We go for regular check ups...but I am concerned as she has been complaining that the place in her head where the shunt is located hurts...should I be concerned or worried?

I had a VP shunt placed in 1996. Then suffered an anyerism in 2004.The tubing had grown into my brain mass and could not be removed.Is this common for the tubing to grow to the brain? I now have 2 shunts in my head and have suffered with headaches.

My 17 yo son had a vp shunt placed 1 yr ago after having 2 lobes removed for malformation and seizures. He is seizure free, but having feeling of needles stinging his face, head and neck for about 15 seconds. He was having a few a month, but now that we are weaning his last med, he is having 9-13 of these in a 24 hr period. MD feels the shunt is lying on a nerve. Has anyone else had this symptom? No pain, just look of fear on his face. Thanks

Hi, My name is Jeff (35Years old). I have a ventricular Schunt paced in my head and goes through my body to my stomach. I have an older brother that thinks it is funny to smack me in the back of my head as a joke. I am worried that this may trigger a seizure or affect the cyst in an adverse way. Am I correct that it can affect my cyst?

My mom had a ventricular shunt placed in her head about a week later we notice she always stayed sleep barely waking up. About the 8th day we were informed the shunt became infected and she had to go to the operating room. Upon being on the table we were informed that the tip of the shunt broke off and they had to cut open her belly to find it. Well they did find it, in her small bowels. My first question about this is it normal for the tip to break off?
About a month later she had to have another shunt put in, well we were afraid because we didn't want this shunt to become infected as well so we ask how would they know if it was working. They informed us that they would know that she would be having ct regualarly which never happen. Well a couple of weeks later my mom started with the sleeping again when we would try to wake her up she would open her eyes and back to sleep this went on for days. So we ask the doctor's can they check the pressure of her brain. Well upon doing that, they release some fluid and my mom woke up. No my question is If the pressure was building up again that meant the shunt was working?
My mom started sleeping again and this time we notice that she open her eyes and it looked like she was following the ceiling in a circle for a couple of days. Well me and my sister work in the hospital and notice that our mom was having a seizure so we notified the nurse of this and then my mom began biting at her tongue, well within a couple of days after they had been giving my mom advant, the seizure didn't stop. Once she was rushed to the ER, I noticed when I open up my mom's eye's her eye's were bluish grey, when the doctor's came in her began taking this dial and putting up to my mom's head where the shunt was. He informed the other doctor that the dial was sent to high and that it was draining to my of the fluid and that it went into the crainial of her brain, so back to surgery she went. My mom never recovered after that, An EEG was done the next day, we were so upset that we didn't ask for the result of that but I bet there was no brain activity on that scan. If possible can you explain how this could have happen? My family needs closure.

My Dd is 82 - Had the brain shunt put in behind his ear - Three days later he had horroble headaches and was sent ot the hospital from the VA - They said that too much water had been released from the brain - The brain shrunk and pulled away from the skull causing a hematoma which they are montiroing and say will absorb itslef - They re-adjusted the shunt- I wen tt see him yesteday and he is out of his mind- No pain but totally confused about EVERYTHING - We had the stent put in because he was totally confused about everything BEFORE - and then only for ONE DAY we had our dad back - he was totally lucid and fine and BAM - right back to looney land. Did the hematoma cause damage? It is not a subdural hematoma - Will he improve again ? He cant walk and that is another reason we had the stent put in because his balance was terrible from the excess water on the brain

I have IH and had a vp shunt put in on Dec 2, 11...and for a week my pinky has been numb(tingly/sleepy feeling) and today i woke up and my whole arm is numb..kinda worried but dont really know what I should do or if it is anything to worry about

Hi,
My sister in law had a vp shunt done, now she is developing seizures, headache and symptoms of shunt, i would like to understand that will that effect her married life and what are the of risk involved relating to her life?

My daughter had a VP shunt at birth all was fine for the last 7 years. Last year she had 4 revisions in 3 months. She was diagnosed with split ventricles. The VP shunts was replace with a anti syphoning device and ricum. Since being home for the last 6 month not a day goes by that she doesn't have nausea (without vomitting)some day worse than others. MRI and check-ups say she is "clinically" well. No medications have worked. Doctor can give no answers. My wife and I do not no what to do either. Have you have any success?

my daughter had vp shunt fitted when two days old and then had to have taken out because of infection this happaned three times in four months,she is registered blind also.she sleeps so much,maybe awake for two hours in 24 and only in small bits.like 10 mins then asleep again.is this normal the doctors say she is clinically well and her scans say this,but does anyone have child with same symptoms.

My daughter had a vp shunt in at the age of 2 weeks 6 months later it blocked and she got a new one she is three today and they removed her shunt saying the test show she don't need it anymore can u live without a shunt if u had one in for two years someone please reply if not tell me the symptoms I can expect because she is feverish but they say its her tonsils but I'm a bit curious
s

I just had a shunt placed 1month ago . After a few tweaking I now an headache free however.i sometimes get a sharp pain were the shunt is..I have also notice my tummy to be tender and seams to appear swollen .shud I be concerned

My 3 year old has a VP shunt. At 4-6 weeks old when it was inserted and have had 11 operations due to revisions and infections. He is still not walking but is slowly getting there. I have been told that even if he doesnt need a shunt in the future that due to a exposure to infections during operation shunt will not be removed. It is interesting to read about little people who do have it removed. If there is anything wrong with the shunt there are headaches, vommiting and drausines, however, shunt mul-function could be intermittent or temporary. I have been told by a neurosurgeon that a shunt can stop working and start again as my little one had episodes of vomitting and he would sleep a lot the next day I would take him to NS and he would be fine. I remember neurosurgeon used an optical thing to look into his eye and apparently he could see nurves and it appeared normal without pressure. So I guess the easiest check is to go to neurosurgeon and ask him/her to use the "magnifying glass" optical checking device to check at the back of your eye by lookinginto it to see if there is any pressure. I have also heard of people living with 3 shunts and living normal lifes with their families.

I had a VP shunt revision done 17 days ago and have had double vision ever since. My doctor has made several adjustments - started at 1.5 which is where my old shunt was set which worked fine. Went up to 2.5 to see the effect which wasn't good at all. Starting throwing up and could barely function. Moved ot down to 1 and I felt better but still had double vision. He removed the staples last week and adjusted it down to .5. I feel pretty good but am still having the DV. Should i be concerned yet or does it just take time and if so any idea as to how long it should take?

I got in a car crash 8 years ago and now I am 16. I havent replaced my shunt at all. In the past year I have passed out twice and I almost pass out everytime I walk up hill, should I go see my doctor or is it not a big deal?

I am 18 years old and i had a VP shunt installed about 2 months ago, it feels.
I went into the Emergency Room at midnight on a sunday, with debilitating headaches, nasuea, couldnt walk without stumbling against a wall, i couldnt see stright, had terrible double vision. I was suffering on my living room floor, on vicodin 3 times a day, then tramadol. I was on muscle relaxers every day. (I had thought this wsas a TMJ headache/migraine) They said in could of went into a coma because of all the pain killers and pressure in my head.
Within 10 hours i was in an emergency surgery to drain the CSF buildup in my ventricles.(after a CT scan showing the buildup.) i had an external drain for about a week, then i had that procedure where they poke a hole in between the 3rd ventricle and the fourth. It failed my head pressure went up to 80 that night.
I then developed Chemical Meningitus, most likely due to the Contrast used or the other 2 surgerys. I was in the hospital for almost another week when they said my white blood cells were down and i was cleared for the instqalation of the VP shunt. i walked out of the ICU the next morning at noon. no wheelchair nothing.
but now-
I get reoccuring buzzing, a slight numb/light headed feeling occasionally. Sharp pain where the shunt is, part of my scalp is still partially numb to the touch. i too felt like my abodomen was swollen, im curious as to if the CSF fluid will build up in my abdomen. I had anxiety before hand and now its 10x worse. they jumped between Ativan, xanax and Klonopin. i dont want to take either benzo. i have found that smoking medical marijuanna releases some of my anxiety about my shunt. ( and TMJ and Muscle Spasms) it was such a scary experience, i was told i might not get my eye sight back.

but anyways, im sorry to hear about all the replacements and malfuntions, im scared of what i have to go though in my future. I do have the newer magnetic shunt, and it seems some people can use those up to 20 years. But who knows

My mother-in-law, having been diagnosed with NPH, had her VS implanted six months ago. Since then, the setting has shifted at least four times, requiring the neurosurgery group to reset it to the desired flow level. In this most recent incident, the setting had caused over-drainage instead of under-drainage. (Fortunately, she did NOT suffer a subdural hematoma.) However, even though the flow of CSF was reduced to the desired level five days ago, she still is practically comatose with fatigue.

In general, how long does it take for this effect to wear off?

By the way, how come this site doesn't provide access to your responses to others' questions? I think I might have been able to find the answer to my question if I could have seen responses to prior submissions.

My mother is 71 yrs. old and has had a VP shunt sin age 44 with the last adjustment being made in 1991. The shunt was placed due to a collapsed ventricle. For several yrs. she has had episodes of headaches and vomiting that have rapidly increased in frequency of occurence. She is currently hospitalized for fever, vomiting, hypokalemia, and leukocytosis. Her mental ability has gone down rapidly over the past 2 yrs. with increasing inability to focus on conversation and she often repeats what one says, thinking she has just thought of the same thing. Her balance is much worse. The neurosurgeon at this hospital is afraid to tap the shunt for fear he will cause damage due to age of shunt. An LP was performed and CT of head was done but no ultrasound or CT of abd. was done. Without assessing distal aspect of shunt can he safely determine that shunt is functioning properly?

I HAD A VP SHUNT PUT INTO MY HEAD FOUR MONTHS AGO AND I AM UNABLE TO REST MY HEAD ON THE SIDE WHERE THE SHUNT IS. I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL EVER GET LESS SENSITIVE SO THAT I CAN GET A GOOD NIGHT REST. ???

My daughter had a shunt placement when she was 8mo. in1993 then a revision at 18mo. Lived on a happy,Healthy,normal life. No problems. She has always been active &in sept 2009 she went roller skating @ a skate rink and fell onto her stomach without her hands,arms or legs breaking the fall. With this fall landing her straite on her stomach it ended up cracking the tube that connects right up top into the shunt. She Finally had surgery Oct 8th 2009 to replace the cracked tube. Only to replace her free flowing functional working shunt to a new shunt with vales on it and then replaced the cracked tube. Unaware of them doing a partial shunt replacement when the cracked tube needed replaced taking half of the whole shunt system out then putting a shunt now with valves on it. Since this surgery she has been sick,hospitalized 6 times &a week stay each time. MRI's,ct scans,many shunt series,spinal tap,Drs & many of all of everything and yet she's still sick with continous pressure headaches daily. It's 2012. She can no longer do anything she use to do for 16 happy healthy yrs. she is now 19 wanting her life back. I want my happy active healthy teen back. I want her to smile like she use to. Today she is having continuous sharp tapping pains in her shunt on her head. The hard tapping has been going on for about 2 hours now she is having sharp pains in her back under her shoulder blades also stomach pains in the abdomen like passing a kidney stone pain. The tapping on her shunt is new? What is the continuous hard painful tapping? Does anyone know?

Chad your daughter should not have to live with that pain. Having two children with VP shunts I can say, we have gone our ways with shunt failures from tubing causing abcess on bowels to multiple shunt failures causing multiple revisions. Neither of my children are text book cases. I want to say most and foremost, you need a neurosurgeon who listens not only to the patient but to the parents as we know our children more then anyone. My youngest went through something like you are describing. He had revisions three times a year for two years. Every time he went in to the operating room the shunt was found to be working fine. I felt he was having some intermittent blockage that was clearing only to block up again and cause further symptoms. His surgeon, (the best around as far as I am concerned) placed a second resevoir into his shunt. This had only been tried on one adult previously and failed. My little guy is on two years now with no shunt issues. The second reservoir was all that was needed. Get a second opinion from another neuro. It appears her's is not looking seriously enough to end her pain.

I really appreciate the way Article is written and would like to thank surgeryencyclopedia.com to help peoples finding the info they are suppose to get from local surgeons but can't.

Last days, my child was implemented medtronics vp shunt of medium pressure, he is 15 years old and hydrocephalus was diagnosed 2 years before and it was treated through antibiotics before surgery. The thing, i am worried for is my child can't walk normally still after 10 Days. He was having problem with walking alone sometime before surgery but condition was better then what its now.

I would be very much thankful to you, if you can explain this to me and inform me how long it normally takes to be able to walk normally after implementation of vp shut.

Good day! As I read the comments and concerns here, I humbly touched,reflected and related to all of you. I'm also having Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt and I was diagnosed last 2002(12 years old), when I was Grade 5. That's also my very (1st) VP shunt insertion. And then, after a year, it was revised. 2003, Grade 6, VP shunt revision(2nd) was done, due to disocation. After a year again, 2004(3rd) shunt revision again was happened. And then, after a year, again and again, 2005(4th) shunt revision was done again and again. And after that, 2006 the (5th) VP shunt revision was happened again. The 4th and 5th shunt revision were due infection of the shunt. 2007, when I decided to take up BS Nursing(not my real course to take up) but I took up. 2007-2011, I took up that course, as well as taking care of my health condition specially my VP shunt.That's why that years(2007-2011) no revision happen. Hopping last 2006 was really the very last shunt revision. I took up board exam few months I after I graduated, and I passed the board exam for one take. And now, by this time, I'm already Registered Nurse here in the Philippines for almost 2yrs. I'm also continuing taking care of my self as well as my shunt. But then, honestly speaking, I'm not yet content of what I'am now and what I already achieved in my profession as a Nurse. Because, still I really want to pursue my real ambition and really want to be. And that's to become a Doctor, to be a Great Neurosurgeon. Because of the state of our family, also still I can't enroll my self in Medicine School. But then, I believe one day, I can and I will enroll already in Medicine School to become a Doctor. I can't blame my self nor mind,in which that thing/ambition comes and formed within my self. Because of my health history, also with my clinical experienced in my Profession as a Nurse, that's strongly uphold and boost in my perception in life.

PS, for the family members, specially the parents of the patients having VP shunt, compact quality all in one support are very important for your love one. Thank you for reading this. Take Care.:)

MY WIFE HAS A LEFT VENTRICAL PROGRAMABLE SHUNT AND ALSO A 4TH VENTRICAL SHUNT.DURING A RECENT HOSPITALIZATION THEY DID A BRAIN CT SCAN. THE RESULTS WERE HER SHUNT IS DRAINING TO MUCH FLUID AND NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMED. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS I CANNOT FIND A NEUROLOGEST TO RESET THE FLOW OF THE SHUNT. SHE HAD THE SHUNT PUT IN IN OHIO AND WE NOW LIVE IN FLORIDA.
THANKS FOR READING THIS

Hello, I received a ventricular shunt in 1976 for a brain tumor that was removed a week later. I am now 43 years old and went to my Chiropractor. Along with cracking my back, he cracked my neck. My mother reminded me of my shunt and suggests my neck not be cracked again. Should I be concerned for future appointments with my chiropractor? To this date I have not had any problems with my shunt. Thank You for your time.

I was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus as a Child and developed a lazy eye, and have had headaches all my life and have had 16 operations on my Brain since they found the problem But i get Pain from my Shunt all the time like knife pains in the shunt and the headaches are worse then ever, the dr said it was fine But is it normal to get Headaches everyday and i take regular pain killers is their any thing i can do to to reduce the headaches?

I am 69 years of age and suffered a blow to the head almost 2 1/2 years ago after falling from a ladder. Within the first year after the accident, I had about three CT scans done which showed hydrocephalus. The doctor at that time recommended placement of a shunt. More recently, an MRI of the brain was taken and another neurosurgeon noted that there had been a gradual increase in the size of the ventricles to the brain. A lumbar puncture was performed which provided some relief of my symptoms of balance problems and an unsteady gait. I guess my main concern is developing early stage dementia because I can probably live with the physical limits of the problem, but after reading about some of the problems that have developed with other persons who have had this procedure done (headaches/severe pain symptoms, nausea, blurred or double vision, failed shunt procedure and multiple revisions surgeries, etc.), I am really hesitant about having this surgery done. Is there a drug that I can take on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis which can reduce the fluid level in the brain to the point that any further physical and mental problems that result from the hydrocephalus can be stopped or at least delayed for several years or until the old body gives out in some other way?

My husband has had a ventriculoperitoneal shut sense he was 4 months old. he is now having severe headaches with some dizziness associated with them. am i to worry that there is something wrong or is it normal to have these headaches?

Can anyone tell me why there is so much VP shunt tubing? An X-ray shows my wife's going to her lower abdomen then turns north & goes up above her stomach then back south & ends up looking like a pile of spaghetti at the bottom of her abdomen. Her neurosurgeon says that's the way they all are but did not explain why.

I'm 60 yrs old now. Get a second opinion always with shunt problems. My neurosurgeon said about 15 yrs is all they last. Sure enough, 14 yrs and a few months, the shunt got infected with staph. (2 yrs ago May) I didn't think it was the shunt but I felt like 2 balloons were inside of me. Those were the psuedo-cysts filled with staph. One was the size of a lemon and the other the size of a baseball. 3 wks in the hospital, 3 brain surgeries and a month of antibiotics at home. Now am semi ok but get unrelenting migraines when they come..last for days & at times in between where the shunt was removed from my brain, I get knife like pains. Just right there. Maybe it's because it's still healing. I had a huge non cancerous tumor removed in 97. The next day the shunt was put in because the pressure in my head went up and up. Right now I am shunt free..Dr. said sometimes the body heals itself. B.S. Needless to say, he is my neurosurgeon no more. My neurologist is in with a group that includes 4 neurosurgeons. They are watching me like a hawk. If needed I will be getting a new shunt asap.. As per Mike #84 with all of the shunt tubing..I don't think there should be that much tubing in a pile, yet I had lots of room to play with as no appendix, gallbladder or spleen. It probably is the way all of them are. That doesn't mean you couldn't cut extra off I wouldn't think. If in doubt, get another Dr. to do an Xray and ask him if it's correct. Sounds like they should have cut some off. I'm sure they wouldn't put enough for a 6ft.2 man into a 5 ft. woman. I think they send that much tubing in case they need it,. Hope that helps.Good luck.

I'm 18 and I've had a shunt since I was less than a week old (due to spina bifida hydrosephalus) I didn't know the shunt could fail... And 80%? That's kinda scary.
I've never had problems with mine besides a few headaches, i can lay on the side that my shunt is on. Depending on your shunt it may be partially outside of the skull (mine is, it's soft and squishy).
After so long you kinda forget it's there (until a hairdresser happens to find it, then you have to explain its a shunt;)
I don't know for sure but the pain you guys that recently got the shunt could just be your body adjusting to the fact you have something different chillin inside of your body, however you should probably see a doctor if you're worried or passing out/having seizures :)

My husband had a ventricular shunt placed in his head at age 9. He's had 2 revisions since then. He is now 35 and went in to have a 3rd revision done. He ended up having the entire shunt taken out except for part of the tubing which broke off in the neck area. The doctor said that during the surgery he felt very good that he did not need the shunt any longer. My husband ended up back in the ER due to passing out and having a mild seizure. They took a CT scan and nothing had changed since the surgery. They decided to begin him on a medication called Acetezolamide (Diamox) to help the body absorb the CSF more naturally. He has been on the medication now for 3 days taking it every 12 hours. He is still having blurred vision, nausea, and headache along with just being extremely week. Has anyone out there ever had this type of thing happen to them? What did you do to get better? Did you have to have another shunt placed?
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Hi my name is Mark. I had a shunt inserted when I was 10 months and it broke when I was 13 but here's the weird thing everything is working now without the shunt it's like the hydrocelphalus vanished and btw if you are wondering I an 19 now

I think I regret the day I put in my shunt
I had my vp shunt put in about 4 months ago
And after that my horror started because I can hardly
Get up because of the pain I had to resign from
Work because the pain is just uncontrollable
I started vomiting and forgetting things I can hardly sleep
I'm wondering what's going on because I since
Have never been back to my doctor
It feels like my life is coming to a end from vomiting to headaches to feeling weak
And to feeling moody don't know what's going on I need help the vp shunt is spoiling my life

My son, age 27, had a vp shunt placed 2 months ago due to a brain tumor. He has been having periodic sharp stabbing pains low in his abdomen since the surgery. He has had a lot of different doctor opinions and nobody can give an explanation. Could the tubing be touching a nerve? And how could that be checked? We keep getting the run around. Thanks

I have a vp shunt when I was 7-8 years old never had any problems since and you can't even see I have it. Only question is that I want to use sunbeds and haven't bin on one yet but was wandering that could my shunt be affected or could it cause intercranial hypertension which is what I had years ago if I went on one. I really want to know if it is safe could anyone who knows tell me would really appreciate it thanks

I had a shunt put in Jan. '13 because I was having headaches & had a Araconoid cyst ,2" x 4" & the Renown Neurosurgeon said this was my problem & said I needed a shunt which I allowed him to do but after I had side effects, pressure & still headaches he pretty much washed his hands of me. I went to another neurosurgeon & he opened the ventricals & pierced the cyst & when this didn't correct the problem he clamped off the tube. I am back with headaches & ended up going to a Neurologist who did a nerve block for the headaches but I am in so much pain now because after the block he took me off of all pain meds 2 days later because he said my headaches were caused by analgesic rebound headaches. I have been off all meds for over 2 wks. & ended up going to the ER to help with the excruciating pain. I am thinking about getting the shunt out & I know this might not help with the headaches but my quality of life is terrible. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

After developing a brain aneurism leak, in 2009 in Florida, a coil and shunt were placed in my brain. After 2 months I was sent to Phoenix Barrow Institute. I was there for 30+ days for rehab.
I went back to work where I learned a new Accounting Software. I am now working full time ( Accounting)
I have no deficit mentally or physically.
Barrow wants me to go in for a follow up MRA. This concerns me, since I was told that an MRI would cause the valve to malfunction and they would have to reset it. Do I need to expect the same issue with an MRA.
The valve seems to be functioning so why mess with it. My theory is " If it ain't broke, don't fix it! "
I need to know whether I should just leaqve well enough alone, or go and have the MRA What are the risks?
Thanks

Had a LP shunt and it stopped working. They installed VP shunt and symptoms came back after 2 weeks. They programmed it to flow as fast as possible, but I still have pressure in eyes, ears and neck. what should I do???

My mother got shunt 3 year back, at the time of begining we feel she lost her memory but after time goes she back to normal,that time was 61 yrs, thought age she had start losing memory and repeting one word whole day less sleeping weekness,
it is bear able but from the last year she had lice bunches of her head, we consult so many Pakistani specialist not effect used all differnet kind of shampoo, medicine no effect for the time being it clean after day of two agin the same bunch of lice even that bugs bigger then lice.
Please let us advice how we could removed completly, or what is the couse.
Thanks

My son is 13 and recently had a shunt implanted, the shunt is working well but he had a brain bleed in the opposite side of where the shunt was implanted in result of this he had just had another surgery where two tubes where implanted to drain out the blood am I was told that in 5 days he will have another surgery to implant another shunt that will connect to the previous one, what toe of procedure is this called and what are the risk, I have search every web page and have not found anything similar that requires brain drainage for a couple I days then another surgery, I am worried been that it will be his third brain surgery in a space of a month.

My niece has recently had a shunt placed from her head to her stomach. During the surgery they removed the rickmans reservoir. Since the surgery she has been having violent outbursts, she cannot explain why and often doesn't remember doing it. This is very out of character for her and it's scaring her. Has the surgery caused this and can it be fixed?

Hi I am 32 years, I have my shunt for 30 years. My shunt is a high pressure shunt.I developed slit venticle sydrome. I experience headaches, vommiting and nausea quite often. most times I have to be hospitalised. Many opinions recieved, say that I need an operation. I should replace the shunt. but it is risky.

Hello, My mom is 54 years old. She had a shunt surgery 20th of November. Since 9 days she is not eating at all. She had only 1 breakfast in that period. when she try to eat even 1 spoon, she vomited straight away. She has poor appetit, headache, nausea.. I have called her surgeon and he said that he need to see her tomography. Surgeon living in another city. So we have sent her tomography results to him, According to surgeon shunt is working properly. And i took my mom to another doctor, he also told me that shunt is working well. Then ı took her to the internist, He said that all is okay. There is no infection in her blood test as well, Yesterday Prof. who is her surgeon said that shunt is okay and she will get used to have shunt.
but still she doesn't eat anything.. What should i do? any advise? Is that normal?

My Son he placed a shunt when he was 14 days old now he is two month and 11 days .his head become bigger he cry frequently his vain starting biger and very visible but the doc. Said its not shunt .what could it be.

WOW! I had no idea this subject was so diverse and after reading some of these stories I thought I'd share mine too. I'm 46 years old and just had a shunt replacement after 26 years. I was 19 the last time I had a replacement, and prior to that about 10 surgeries between age 13 and 19. However, I've been able to live a normal life, I have 4 healthy boys ranging between 23 and 14 years of age, and I even played High School and College Football. My two older boys have gotten football scholarships as well, one graduating this semester and the other two years from now. My 17 year old just finished playing his senior season in HS and is on his way to play college ball as well. My youngest will follow him, God willing. so, do not stop living your life or following your dreams because of this little hick-up.

Other than the inconvenience of making the trips to a California hospital (LA Children's Hospital) from Las Vegas, where we live, I never allowed this to keep me living a normal life. As a kid I hated having my head shaved but now I keep my head shaved anyway and when people see the scars in the back of my head look at me like I'm a bad-dude or biker, and every now and then, when people may ask what the scars are from I just take the time to make up some crazy story which is always fun. From a Lion attacked me, to a crazy car accident, to I was in Iraq a few years ago. However, I have never stopped living my life. I have lived a normal life and have had much success both personally and professionally. So, do not allow your life or that of your child or relative to be altered by this. Live, love and be an example to others, and take it from someone who did not allow life's circumstance to detour my dreams. If anything, use it as motivation to want to live more.
I hope this will serve peas motivation and drive to accomplish more in your life.

My brother had a shunt put in for hydrocephalus when he was a baby. He is now 37 years old and one year ago, he had a new shunt put in because he was passing out and having seizures, complaining of headaches, vomiting, and had bulging eyes(they didn't want to remove the first shunt due to complications, so they inserted the second shunt). The second shunt is the only shunt being used. At the end of October, he began to seizure again, vomit, and complain about headaches. When he seizures, he becomes completely immobile. The doctors have done CT scans, MRI's, etc. and they say there is nothing wrong with his shunt, but all symptoms are indicative of hydrocephalus. Has anyone experienced this before? If so, what did you do? What was the diagnosis?

My brother had a shunt put in for hydrocephalus when he was a baby. He is now 37 years old and one year ago, he had a new shunt put in because he was passing out and having seizures, complaining of headaches, vomiting, and had bulging eyes(they didn't want to remove the first shunt due to complications, so they inserted the second shunt). The second shunt is the only shunt being used. At the end of October, he began to seizure again, vomit, and complain about headaches. When he seizures, he becomes completely immobile. The doctors have done CT scans, MRI's, etc. and they say there is nothing wrong with his shunt, but all symptoms are indicative of hydrocephalus. Has anyone experienced this before? If so, what did you do? What was the diagnosis?

My daughter is going into surgery tomorrow to have a new shunt placed. She is seven yrs old and never had a problem until now. They just clampped the external ventricular drain. I am so nervous about this. Nurses keep coming in every 15 minutes and taking her vitals. And checking her eyes and asking lots of questions. I'm nit getting very many answers from them. So I'm hoping to find some relief from yall.

I've had a VP shunt for 7 years now and have had numerous scans since. However, when I went for my last scan, my neurosurgeon said that there was no change in the size of my ventricles but he didn't say what that meant. Any ideas?

My mum had a coil and shunt in her head passing to her right lung down to the stomach,doctor leave the tube there.
after begin found in the CT Scan she got bleeding in the head.Tubing was done two months go this year 2015.She is 70yrs old and already diagnosed with bronchietatsis.Every six months she has to see doctor for her lung problem her right lung is damaged,bcos of this the phlegm will accumulate and she will find difficult to breath and also difficult for her to spit out. Now is having stomach, headaches, right leg and left arm all very painful. X-ray was taken for left arm and it's show a bit dislocated. If there is infections, at the shunt site they will placed the shunt outside.I can see my mum is going through a lots of pains and suffering. She is very weak and eating very little and also her voice is very soft, when she speak i cannot hear what she is saying. I am so worried and confused and thinking that the neurosurgeons is doing the right procedure for my mum or not.Please give some informations on this. I would be very much appreciated.Thank you.

I am 35 weeks pregnant and was just told that my baby is retaining fluid in both his ventricles. They thought is was a cyst and that it would go away. Well it didn't go away and it grew. We are being send to Driscoll children's hospital, where a special team of pediatrics doctors and a pediatric neuro-surgeon will attend to the baby as soon as it is born. More than likely they told us he would need surgery right away and they couldn't tell us if there is any type of damage. Of course this is very scary for us, the unknown. I was doing fine throughout the whole pregnancy till just a few days ago. I'm researching all I can on this and shunts placements. I'm overwhelmed with all this information, if you all have any advice please send. Thank you!!!

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: